Fixed asset (property, plant and equipment) rollforwards represent an important accounting tool for period end closes, financial statement preparation and so forth. In this article we discuss the nature and provide an example of a fixed asset rollforward.

In our computerized world most accounting records are maintained in accounting software databases or spreadsheets, and accountants don’t think much in terms of general ledger or subsidiary ledgers like they did when most accounting records were maintained on paper. However, such concepts still exist. In this second part of the two-part article we will look at examples of accounts payable subsidiary ledger (i.e., accounts payable aging), inventory subsidiary ledger, and fixed assets subsidiary ledger.

In our computerized world most accounting records are maintained in accounting software databases or spreadsheets, and accountants don’t think much in terms of general ledger or subsidiary ledgers like they did when most accounting records were maintained on paper. However, such concepts still exist. In this first part of the two-part article we will discuss what subsidiary ledgers are and look at an example of an accounts receivable subsidiary ledger (i.e., accounts receivable aging).

In a classified balance sheet, current (short-term) and non-current (long-term) assets and liabilities are presented separately. In most cases current assets and liabilities are easy to distinguish and don’t present any issues with their classification and presentation on a balance sheet. However, there are certain items which may require special treatment because they need to be separated into the current and non-current portions. In the second part of this article we will discuss two items: deferred rents and notes payable.

In a classified balance sheet, current (short-term) and non-current (long-term) assets and liabilities are presented separately. In most cases current assets and liabilities are easy to distinguish and don’t present any issues with their classification and presentation on a balance sheet. However, there are certain items which may require special treatment because they need to be separated into the current and non-current portions. In the first part of this article we will discuss one of such items: prepaid insurance.

Quite often rent agreements classified as operating leases include uneven rent payment terms (e.g., escalating rent payments or rent holidays). For example, a 5-year building rent agreement may specify that rents will go up 5% every year after the first year. Some companies assume that the rent expense should be recognized based on the rent payments. However, under US GAAP this most probably won’t be true. In this article, we review accounting for lease agreements with uneven rent payments.

Fixed asset donations are rare when one talks about for-profit companies, but such donations are more common when one talks about non-for-profit companies. Fixed asset donations can be inbound or outbound. How does a company account for such donations?

Most companies purchase and use fixed assets (also called property, plant and equipment). Fixed asset costs are allocated to multiple accounting periods by recording depreciation expense. What is the impact of not depreciating fixed assets?

Learn about sunk costs and how they impact investment decision-making.

Leasehold improvements represent additions to a lease property. Accounting for such improvements normally does not present a significant issue except for their amortization. This article covers a common issue which relates to the amortization of leasehold improvements.